Janapada Loka, Srirangapatna, and Melukote – Part 3

Date: 2-Apr-16

After visiting Janpada Loka and Srirangapatna, we set out for the final destination of the day, Melukote. We were delighted to see our itinerary unfolding exactly as planned. Not only had we covered all the attractions in Srirangapatna, but we had also managed to include Janapada Loka, which was not part of our original plan. Encouraged by how smoothly the day was progressing, we left Srirangapatna at around 4:45 PM and headed towards Melukote.

Around Melukote

Melukote is a historic town in Mandya district, Karnataka. Located about 39 km from Gumbaz in Srirangapatna, it took us nearly an hour to reach because of the single-lane road and moderate traffic. We entered the town at around 5:45 PM.

Melukote is one of Karnataka’s most popular heritage destinations and has long been a favorite filming location for the Kannada film industry. Its ancient temples, historic monuments, and scenic surroundings make it a rewarding place to visit.

Some of the town’s major attractions include Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, Cheluva Narayana Swamy Temple, the beautiful Pushkarini pond, Akka Thangi Kola, and Raya Gopura. Since we knew that Cheluva Narayana Swamy Temple would reopen only at 7 PM in the evening, we decided to keep it as our final stop. Before heading up to Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, we planned to visit Pushkarini, Akka Thangi Kola, and Raya Gopura.

Pushkarini

The Pushkarini is a large stepped temple tank featuring a beautiful mantapa at its center and pillared corridors surrounding it. Its architectural beauty has made it a popular backdrop in several Kannada films.

The mantapa and the ornate pillars are highly photogenic, while the view of Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple perched on the hill above adds to the charm of the setting. However, one disappointing aspect of our visit was the condition of the premises. During our previous visit, the area had been well maintained, but this time it appeared noticeably untidy. We hoped the authorities would take better care of this beautiful heritage site in the future.

Akka Thangi Kola

On the way to Raya Gopura, you will come across two ponds located side by side. These are known as Akka Thangi Kola, which translates to “Sisters’ Ponds.”

According to local residents, the water in one pond is potable, while the water in the other is not. This interesting local belief adds a unique character to these otherwise simple-looking water bodies.

Raya Gopura

Our next stop was Raya Gopura, an unfinished yet impressive structure adorned with intricate carvings on its walls and pillars.

The monument reminded us of the unfinished structures we had seen in Mahabalipuram. Like many landmarks in Melukote, Raya Gopura has also appeared in several Kannada films. The surroundings are peaceful, and the elevated location offers lovely views of Melukote town and the surrounding hills.

Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple

• Timings: 9.30 AM to 1.30 PM and 5.30 PM to 8.00 PM

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is one of the most prominent landmarks in Melukote. Located atop a hill, the temple can be reached by climbing around 300 steps from Pushkarini. Fortunately, there is also a narrow motorable road suitable for light vehicles, allowing visitors to cover a significant portion of the ascent and climb only about 100 steps.

The remaining steps are steep and not in the best condition, so caution is advised while climbing. As we ascended, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the town and surrounding landscape. Near the temple, there is a viewpoint from where the panorama of the countryside looks especially beautiful.

The temple is believed to have been built by the Hoysala kings. Its peaceful atmosphere and simple elegance make it a wonderful place to spend some quiet time. After exploring the temple and enjoying the views, we made our way to the final attraction of the day.

Cheluva Narayana Swamy temple

• Timings: 7.30 AM to 1 PM, 4 PM to 6 PM , and 7 PM to 8.30 PM
  On Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM to 6 PM, and 7 PM to 8 PM

Cheluva Narayana Swamy Temple is another architectural gem of Melukote and is located in the heart of the town. The temple is massive in scale and features beautifully carved interiors. Every pillar has a unique design, showcasing the craftsmanship of the artisans who built it. All of us thoroughly enjoyed spending time inside the temple and admiring its intricate details.

A visit to Melukote would be incomplete without tasting the famous Puliyogare sold outside the temple. It is one of the town’s culinary specialties and is highly recommended.

Journey back to Bangalore

By the time we left the temple, it was already 8 PM, and it was time to begin our journey back to Bangalore.

From Melukote, we took the direct road towards Mandya, stopped at Adigas Hotel in Maddur for dinner, and continued our drive home. We reached Bangalore safely at around 11:30 PM, exactly as we had anticipated.

Travel snapshot

This day trip combined history, heritage, spirituality, and folk culture into a memorable family outing. From exploring Karnataka’s rich folk traditions at Janapada Loka to walking through the historic landmarks of Srirangapatna and ending the day amidst the timeless temples and monuments of Melukote, every destination offered a unique experience. Despite covering multiple attractions in a single day, the itinerary worked out smoothly, allowing us to enjoy each place without feeling rushed.

If you are comfortable with a fairly packed sightseeing schedule and minimal breaks, you can follow a similar itinerary and cover Janapada Loka, Srirangapatna, and Melukote in a single day. For a more relaxed experience, Srirangapatna and Melukote alone make an excellent day-trip combination from Bangalore.

• Places covered in Melukote: Pushkarini Pond > Akka Thangi Kola > Raya Gopura > Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple > Cheluva  Narayana Swamy Temple

See also:

• Janapada Loka
• Srirangapatna

Route Map